URL: https://democracy.middevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1224

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet had before it a report * from the Head of Housing & Health on Mid Devon Housing’s (MDH) Tenant Compensation Policy Update.   The Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets and Property and the Deputy Leader outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:   The Policy was last approved in January 2022, and was due to be reviewed after 3 years. Since the current Compensation Policy was adopted the Housing Ombudsman (HO) had issued guidance notes to Registered Providers that relevant policies should provide redress to restore a person to the position they would had been in had the service failure not occurred. In line with the Housing Ombudsman (HO) guidance the revised policy set out compensation payments that were fair, consistent and proportionate whilst recognising that each case would be considered on its individual merits. The Council had also recently received specific guidance and recommendation from the Housing Ombudsman (HO) in respect of compensation for the additional cost of temporary heaters.   Discussion took place regarding monitoring and performance and the figures in regard to compensation.   RESOLVED that the updated MDH Tenant Compensation Policy and Equality Impact Assessment contained in Annexes A and B respectively as recommended by the Homes PDG be ADOPTED.   (Proposed by the Cllr S Clist and seconded by Cllr N Bradshaw)   Reason for Decision: It would be necessary to ensure that the Tenant Compensation Policy addressed all the legal obligations the Council had as a Landlord under within the parameters of the Secure Tenants of Local Housing Authorities (Right to Repair) Regulations 1994, the Housing Act 1985 and the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993.   Note: * Report previously circulated.    

Date of Decision: December 10, 2024